Turmeric Benefits For Skin, Hair & Health+Recipes!

There is a good reason why turmeric is a popular spice in India, Asia and all around the world.

Turmeric benefits for skin, hair, and health has been widely known, thanks to its high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory content.

If you haven’t included turmeric in your diet (and beauty routine), yet, you should start now!

Not sure why?

This post will answer the following questions for you:

What is turmeric, and what is the difference between it and curcumin?

What are the turmeric benefits for skin, and hair?

How to use turmeric in your daily life? (Fun facemasks and yummy recipes to try!)

Are there any side effects?

Where do you buy turmeric?

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a Rhizoma from the ginger family. It has many names, depending on where you live, commonly known as Haldi in India, also named curcumin, turmeric roots, Indian saffron, and many others.

You might have used it in one of the curries when cooking an Indian dish. Still, this is only one of the many uses, which I will come to later in this post.

Turmeric was first used in India and Southeast Asia, mostly for dyeing and cooking. Then people started using it in traditional medicine. In India, they have also used it in the haldi ceremony at Hindu weddings. As well as being used in China for curing many diseases.

Benefits of Turmeric for Your Health

“Taking turmeric extract by mouth twice daily for three months reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides in overweight people with high cholesterol.“

On the other hand, there are health conditions that have no sufficient evidence. Still, taking turmeric regularly could help improve your overall health condition, and might help with the following conditions:

Benefit #2 Healing Wounds

Since turmeric is an antibacterial agent, it helps small wounds heal faster by keeping bacterial infections at bay.

Mix turmeric and water to form a paste, then apply to the clean wound area. You can also use it for small-burned skin areas.

Benefit#3 Anti-aging Effect

One of the most famous celebrations in India is the “Haldi” ceremony in which a mixture containing turmeric is applied to the bride and groom face and body.

On the other hand, a study found that Curcumin can counteract inflammation which is responsible for aging.

You can use this mask to fight premature aging, and to give your skin a boost of antioxidants, including vitamin C. Vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen in your skin; more collagen, fewer wrinkles!

Ingredients

Besan flour (also known as Gram flour or chickpea flour).

Raw milk.

Turmeric powder.

Directions

Mix equal parts of besan and raw milk, add turmeric (haldi) powder to form a paste.

Apply this paste to your face and body preferably while you are in the shower to avoid making a mess.

Wait until it dries.

Scrub your skin gently in circular motion, then rinse off with water, and take a bath as usual.

Use a gentle circular motion to scrub off all dirt and dead skin cells.

Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Apply twice a week for best results.

Benefit #6 Heal Wounds

According to this study, curcumin’s astringent effect helps heal wounds faster. It also improves skin’s elasticity, i.e., younger-looking skin, making it one of the most well-known turmeric benefits for your skin.

Another factor that helps wounds heal faster is that turmeric decreases inflammation.

A scientific paper states that curcumin has a significant impact on the healing process of wounds. It could help tissue formation, remodeling, and wound contraction.

Another face pack, which will help keep acne away, uses sandalwood paste, which is famous in India, usually used to reduce inflammation from mild skin irritation such as wounds, pimples.

Ingredients

Sandalwood paste (freshly prepared paste from pure sandalwood bar).

Turmeric

A few drops of fresh orange juice.

Directions

Mix ingredients well.

Apply to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes.

Wait until it dries, then rinse with warm water.

Benefit #8 Heal Cracked Heels

Not only could turmeric help heal your cracked heels faster, but also it makes your heels feel soft and smooth.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons castor oil (or coconut oil).

½ teaspoon turmeric powder.

Directions

Make a paste using turmeric and the oil of your choice.

Apply this mixture to your cracked heels and areas where your skin has become excessively dry like your elbows and knees.

Leave for 15 minutes, and then wash with warm water.

Turmeric Benefits for Hair

Benefit #9 Turmeric Controls Dandruff & Hair Loss

Scalp infections and dandruff could be responsible for hair loss. So to have healthy looking hair, it is important to remember that a healthy scalp means healthy hair, too.

Curcumin (the active component in turmeric) could help cure any infection, itching, or other scalp problems that cause hair loss.

Turmeric Hair Mask

Ingredients

3-4 tablespoons olive oil.

Turmeric powder.

Directions

Warm olive oil and add a pinch of turmeric powder.

Apply to your scalp, massage your scalp, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

Shampoo your hair as usual.

Benefit #10 Facial Hair Control

This is the most misunderstood benefit of turmeric.

Many have asked me about it in the comments section below, and it was one reason why I updated this post.

So we need to clear things first before digging deep into the recipes you could use:

You should know that there is NO one solution to gets rid of the body and facial hair forever.

Laser treatments are the most efficient way so far.

Natural remedies and regular hair remover could help slow the process of hair growth. But there is no evidence that they could stop hair growth completely.

Woman’s facial hair (and body hair) is usually fine, unlike men’s hair which is thick. So, applying turmeric to men’s skin will not stop their hair from growing. Men will not lose their beard hair or chest hair.

When using turmeric remedies for facial and body hair, you will need to scrub your skin when the mask dries; that will help remove the hairs. When using this remedy for months, hair will start to grow slower, same as using waxing. The reason for that is pulling the hair from the skin while scrubbing will weaken the follicles, and it will not be able to grow hair as fast as it used to.

Now to the recipe, I prefer to use this recipe in the bathroom since turmeric could stain everything.

Most recipes use turmeric in its powder form; still, in India, they also use fresh turmeric roots in some recipes.

Turmeric Recipes and Tips

There are lots of ways that you could include turmeric in your diet; there are smoothies, seasoning meat and chicken, turmeric tea, sprinkling some on hummus, and when making soup. Choices are endless.

I like to add it to most of my rice dishes, it has a mild flavor, so it will not alter the result that I am looking for, but it will add nutritional value to my dishes.

I also use turmeric for marinating chicken and meat along with other spices.

What is the secret ingredient that will improve turmeric absorption?

Curcumin is poorly absorbed by your body on its own. To enjoy the benefits of this yellow spice, you need to add black pepper or fat-soluble bases like milk or coconut oil. This will ensure that your body will absorb a much larger quantity, thus get the most of what you eat.

Pregnant women should never take turmeric in medicinal amounts during pregnancy.

Curcumin might decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes. So use in caution.

Turmeric might cause stomach upset for people with suffering from reflux disease (GERD).

Some people are allergic to turmeric, so before using it on your face, test turmeric on your forearm, apply a dime-sized amount and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if you react. If your skin becomes red, itchy, or uncomfortable, do not apply turmeric on your face.

Turmeric may stain your skin. To get rid of the yellow tone, use a clean piece of cloth, dip in milk, and gently scrub your skin. Then wash off with water.

Where to Buy Turmeric?

You can find turmeric powder in Indian grocery stores and the Spices & Seasonings section at Whole Foods. You can also order turmeric online.

Do you cook with turmeric? What is your favorite recipe? Do you know other turmeric benefits for skin and hair that you would like to share? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This is Chetana, an Amateur Makeup artist from India and Founder of StyleCraze.com – India’s largest beauty network. I am completely addicted to Makeup & beauty especially the Color play and the process involved.

I’m Dima Al Mahsiri. I love blogging, and I consider myself the luckiest person on Earth. Why? Well, I have a great husband, four amazing children, including twins.
Like any ordinary woman, I would like to have a perfectly smooth, shiny, and young looking skin. After trying every possible solution you may think of, finally got the golden rule that: THE MORE NATURAL, THE BETTER.
This is what Tips for Natural Beauty Blog is all about: teaching you Tips to keep your skin NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL. Read More…

Reader Interactions

Comments

I’m very interested in the health benefits of turmeric. I have asthmatic bronchitis and I’m hoping it will help me get back to normal. I will also try your recipe for a facial to help fade my sun damage!

I studied that Turmeric has been used as beauty product over the centuries. I will try turmeric hair mask. I want to share my mom recipe which she used to get rid of stretch marks. Mixture (gram flour) and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water. Apply on your skin for one hour then wash it off. I hope it help. Thanks for sharing the post with us

Mostly I heard that this turmeric powder was useful for skins especially in face. While reading this post I came to know that turmeric is also used for hair problem also. For now onwards I also take it for my hair problems.

I’m slightly confused.. does turmeric help stimulate hair growth or slow it down? I see that it says that it does both and I am wondering how this is possible? Is it the way that turmeric is used (consumed, applied, mixed, etc.)? Thank you

Curcumin main ingredient, present in Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.A combination of milk and turmeric powder is a popular hair removal technique. However efficient hair removal also depends on many other factors: type of hair, thickness of facial hair.

Turmeric is found to remove thin and delicate facial hair when applied over a period of time. Raw turmeric for efficient hair removal also depends on many other factors: type of hair, thickness of hair. If the reason behind the hair loss is scalp infections and dandruff, in such cases curcumin (active component) present in turmeric helps to cure the infection, itching and soothes the scalp and removes flaking. Thus contributes to hair growth.

Thanks for your beauty tips,if using turmeric for hair and face, how to prevent not getting yellow color?, because turmeric has strong yellow color which doesn’t wash away just with water, I am afraid if I put turmeric mask on my face or hair getting yellow color, what’s your suggestion ?

Hi !
That’s a good question! It is always recommended to try facial masks ( and hair masks) on a small portion of your face( or hair) in case it may irritate sensitive skin or adds a yellowish tone. You may try the facial mask at night and wash your face once again in the morning, it does give a yellow tone to your face, but it is gone after a second wash.

I used the turmeric mask…. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash your face….what I did after is mixing sugar with milk and scrubing my face with it for about three times. It will reduce the yellowness but will not eleminate it…. Of course the more you wash your face the less the yellow…. But water alone will not get rid of the stain.
Hope this helps 🙂

Thanks for sharing. It has been 3 years since I suffer the problem of hair loss. I tried out all oils, hair care products, nothing could fix my hair. One of my friends said about going to a clinic for hair transplant Toronto. And yeah, I am considering a hair transplantation. I don’t think green tea could do anything more because it is just countable hairs left in my head!

This informative article was previously beneficial. I do not identify which you are however definitely you will some sort of renowned blog writer for those who are certainly not previously. Many thanks!

Turmeric is a medicinal herb which is known popularly for treating both hair loss and aiding hair growth. Skin of women is very delicate and thin so when applied on women’s skin it helps to remove unwanted hair. However men’s skin is more thick and becomes rough as they tend to shave more often. Hence turmeric will not be effective to remove beard on male skin. Generally women use turmeric as a beauty tip.

I love using tumeric as facial masks. I mix tumeric powder with sugar-free yogurt, honey, a bit of lemon juice, and apply to my face twice a week. This really makes my skin feels smooth, well-hydrated, and also blurs blemishes.

In case of thin hair for women, turmeric powder is known to slow down the growth of facial hair and eventually stop it from re-growing.However, men’s hair is thicker and rough, hence turmeric will not be effective to remove beard on male skin.

Besan also known as gram flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour, is a pulse flour made from ground chickpeas. Used in many countries, it is a staple ingredient in Indian, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi cuisines.

please I need your help
my facial hairs are getting too much..
I just got the raw tumeric from a grocery store.
how do I use it to stop hair growth.
am a bit confused how it helps to grow hair and stop it as well.
don’t want the hair on my face thicker and more.
please help me….

In case of thin hair for women, turmeric powder is known to slow down the growth of facial hair and eventually stop it from re-growing.

You can use this turmeric facial hair reducer recipe:

Mix 1/4 tablespoon of haldi and with 1 tablespoon of gram flour, add water to form a paste, leave it on your face for 15 minutes, then rinse, if used regularly, you will start to see the difference in a month.

There are many benefits of turmeric for skin that usually women take care of it.

Turmeric is useful in the treatment of acne due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties that fight pimples and breakouts to provide a young glow to your skin. It also benefits for oily skin, dry skin and Turmeric, in combination with other ingredients, is effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps lighten stretch marks.

Sometimes you need to seek medical advice. Turmeric is great for your overall health in addition to your hair and skin. But when your hair is falling out rapidly, you should ask your doctor since there are many factors affecting your hair health.

Hi Susan,
Glad that this mask has given you good results.
If I were you, I would not use this mask more than 3 times a week. Exfoliating is good for your skin, but “Too much of anything is bad”. Excessive exfoliating will make your skin too sensitive, and your skin won’t have enough time to heal and produce new skin cells.

Susan, the aim of exfoliating is to remove dead skin and help your skin regenerate new healthy skin cells, so you have to give it time to do that.
If you have oily skin, and this mask did not cause any irritation to your skin, you can exfoliate up to 3 times a week. On the other hand, normal to dry skin should only exfoliate 1-2 per week. Either ways, make sure to moisturize your skin afterward.
This post will also help you learn more about exfoliating your skin.

Do You know anything about Vicco turmeric vaishing cream with Sandal Wood Oil? I have started a routine use of this 1 -2 times a day. And washing my face before applying the cream. I have an uneven skin tone and was wondering if this cream would be able to even out the skin tone after continual use. And would you also know how long before I would see any changes? Thanks! Much luv <3

Unfortunately, I haven’t used Vicco turmeric vanishing cream. But since it contains turmeric, it should work well to even your skin tone.
Of course, this will take time depending on the age of spots, your skin tone, and effectiveness of the product you are using.

while searching i land onto your website, its really good and infomative tips..
for few comments i would like to add few lines which is important to differentiate between turmeric and curcumin… will give brief in next post..
thanks ~ Edgar Branton

Mainly it promotes the growth of hair on your scalp, the way it is used on the face is different. When using turmeric for removing hair, you use scrubbing to pull off fine hairs on your face once the mask is dry. And that will help get rid of unwanted hair on your face.

Yes, but you need to try it on a small portion of your skin, I suggest applying some on the inner part of your hand, wait for a few minutes, wash it off and wait 24 hours. If your skin did not get irritated you may then use turmeric on your face.

Tumeric works great for normal acne and works so great on juvenile pimples as well. My girls have suffered from severe juvenile pimples for about 5 years noe.tried several things and consulted several times as well but nothx worked.finally got them black soap which slightly reduced formation of pimples and was clearing the marks.later on got them fresh tumeric roots like 2 months ago.they grate the root and mix with honey.scrub the face with this and leave it on.I have never seen miracles like this before.their face is close to clear right now.but noticed something that saddened my heart though.if they stop using it like for a week,the pimples start coming back gradually and that glorious glow leaves their faces as well.am thinking of incorporating tumeric in their diet.in my area I have not found the supplements.but I have got the roots.only after implementing in their diet will I know if they will need to keep using it as a routine or if they can treat and stop without the pimples popping back up.

I like the benefits of turmeric for anti-aging and other benefits are a plus. This is why I always use turmeric in many ways because it has so many benefits. Thank for sharing this post of turmeric benefits for skin and hair.

Thank you for sharing turmeric benefits. Since early age, turmeric has been recognized as one of the significant herb, Its actually a magical herb. Its anti – inflammatory property is not only good for skin & hair but also provide another health benefits.